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  Aimee Winder Newton

aimee winder newton: County Council district 3

Government needs your voice! Here’s how you can get involved…

1/18/2024

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Last month, I had the pleasure of attending several swearing-in ceremonies for newly elected city officials in my district. I watched individuals of various ages, demographics, and backgrounds take an oath of office and assume the role of public servants.

I couldn’t help but think this is exactly what our founding fathers envisioned--a government by and for the people, accessible to those willing to serve and citizens who can select leaders representing their interests. 

In almost every ceremony, these elected officials thanked supporters who knocked on doors, distributed fliers, hung signs, and helped get out the vote. I was humbled thinking about the same support I have received over the years.

As Utahns, our engagement doesn’t need to end at the ballot box. There are countless ways that we can continue to help influence decisions to reflect our interests and values. What can you do to stay involved and ensure your voice gets heard? Here are five easy things to remember.
 
  1. Remember, local is where it’s at
    Local government impacts our daily lives much more than at the national level. Getting involved locally is the most effective way to maintain our quality of life. The good news? Local issues are rarely overly partisan and tend to be less divisive and contentious.


  2. Stay informed
    Take the time to learn about the issues in your area. The more you know, the more empowered you will be to start meaningful discussions, contribute to healthy debate, and offer solutions.


  3. Connect with your elected officials
    Easily locate email addresses and phone numbers on your city or county websites. Don’t know who your state representatives are?  Visit le.utah.gov, where user-friendly tools will help you find your representatives' names and contact information.


    Connecting with your leaders on social media is also a great way to learn about their priorities and a convenient forum to ask questions and share your concerns. 

    Just a friendly reminder to keep it civil!

  4. Attend city and county meetings
    City Council, County Council Meetings, and Board of Education Meetings are open to the public. Attendance is a great way to learn how local government functions and may give you a chance for your representatives to get to know you.


    Are you concerned about what is happening in your schools? Listening in at a school board meeting is a great place to start. Are you worried about how your tax dollars impact roads or public safety? Your city and county’s websites will post the agendas and schedules for all future meetings. 

  5. Learn the process and use your voice
    Did you know that most legislative bills start as an idea from a concerned citizen? Learning about how the legislative process works will help you feel more connected so that you will know who to contact if you have an idea for improvements. Who knows, your idea might turn into a bill that could eventually become a law. 
    ​

Utah is an amazing place to live, and we have amazing leaders representing us at all levels of government. Stay engaged and remember, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead.

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County budget includes a focus on the wellbeing of children

1/18/2024

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Every year, my fellow council members and I are tasked with setting and approving the yearly budget for the county. My constituents have entrusted me to scrutinize every dollar spent defending programs that will improve Salt Lake County residents' safety and quality of life. 

This year, the Salt Lake County Council unanimously approved the county’s 2024 budget, with no tax increase. I am proud to say that the approved budget contains wide-ranging cuts, expanded services for mental health resources, investments in our parks, trails, and recreation centers, and continued funding for libraries, health clinics, and aging services like Meals on Wheels.

The top priority of the Salt Lake County Council continues to be public safety. While identifying this year’s budget cuts, we ensured adequate funding for the jail, prosecution, behavioral health, and areas that keep our community safe and healthy.

I’m thrilled to share a few budget-approved initiatives that every Salt Lake County resident should know about, especially those with school-age children under 18. 
  • My County Rec Pass: Free Rec Center Passes for Children: As of summer 2024, all school-age youth, ages 5-18, who are Salt Lake County residents will be able to access all County-operated recreation centers, ice centers, and swimming pools (indoor and outdoor) at no cost. This program is funded by the Tourism, Recreation, Culture & Convention fund (TRCC), which raises revenue from tourism, so it can be funded even in this tight budget year. The council passed this unanimously.

  • Elimination of Library Late Fees for Children: As of next summer, all late fees on children and young adult materials will be eliminated for a one-year pilot program. This will eliminate barriers to the fantastic resources available in the award-winning Salt Lake County Libraries for children and young adults. Late fees too often keep the very residents who could benefit most from using the library. While late fees for children’s materials will be waived, they are still expected to return checked-out materials after three months or will be charged for them.

Promoting healthy, active lifestyles can have numerous benefits, both physically and mentally, and will help combat the rising anxiety and depression rates crippling too many Utahns. Making these opportunities more accessible, especially for those facing financial challenges, will encourage kids to cut their screen time and put down their phones, which is crucial for their overall health and development. 
​

We welcome the opportunity for Salt Lake County school-aged children to engage in healthy activities while fostering a sense of community. Reading books, connecting with others, and participating in physical exercise are all important things to help our kids grow up healthy and happy.
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    Aimee Winder Newton

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    Aimee Winder Newton has served since 2014 and represents Taylorsville, Murray, West Jordan, and West Valley City on the Salt Lake County Council. She was a former 2020 Republican candidate for Utah Governor and was the first woman elected as chair of the Council. Aimee works tirelessly to defend the quality of life in Salt Lake County while protecting tax dollars... [read more]

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  • Home
    • March 22 Caucus Meetings
    • Is the Equestrian park a good use of taxpayer dollars?
    • A New Perspective on Equestrian Park
    • Meals on Wheels
    • Pornography a Health Crisis
    • Urban County Caucus
    • Equestrian Park users give feedback at Town Hall meeting
    • Gov Center Renovations save money, improve security
    • Supporting the public process for the equestrian park
  • Contact
  • About